JOE SCHMIDT has dropped Gordon D’Arcy from his 36-man Ireland squad in a move that could signal the end of an illustrious international career.

The veteran Leinster centre last played for his country against Australia last November and has not been involved in any of the Six Nations games to date with Robbie Henshaw the New Zealander’s preferred option.

At 35, D’Arcy’s chances of making it back look slim, with Ian Madigan covering the position from the bench.

Leinster props Michael Bent and Tadhg Furlong are included along with Ulster second-row Dan Tuohy who is just back from injury.

Schmidt has chosen not to recall Fergus McFadden, Rhys Ruddock and in-form Ulster winger Craig Gilroy into his panel and is expected to largely stick with a similar squad for the crunch clash with Wales. Roger Wilson and Billy Holland are also ommitted after training with the squad in the build-up to the win over England.

Wales coach Warren Gatland, meanwhile, has called Ken Owens and Tomas Francis into his squad.